The risky thing that happens when there’s too much talk about ships and things (see previous blog), is that your metaphor runs away with you, and unanticipated consequences can occur.

This one, as anyone who has a history with Avo will know, has sent us reeling for a while. After almost a decade of being one of Avo’s key rainmakers, Hanli Buber has been given an offer she can’t refuse, and has decided to move on to a new and challenging role.  She will be the training manager in a company that designs staff share schemes, amongst other things, and it will be her job  to ensure that thousands of people are trained in line with that.  We’re hoping, of course, that she becomes one of our key customers in that regard!

Hanli was ‘Avo number 3′ when we started growing this company years ago.  She joined me to help with the SAB logistics account when it all got a bit much for me to manage on my own, and soon wove herself into the fabric of SAB to the point when they had no idea that she actually worked for us and not them!  She grew the SAB relationship in her own quirky fashion so that they have remained one of our key accounts throughout the decade, ensuring the sustainabiity of Avo, and adding significant value to SAB through the projects she spearheaded.

My road with Hanli has been rich, albeit bumpy.  In so many ways we have been each other’s teacher: we have worked together creatively so well, and have also knocked spots off one another along the road.  I have valued her courage to speak out when other voices have not been able to; her quick mind; her huge ability; her colourful way of approaching life, and the way she makes me laugh my head off! 

But more than anything, I have admired her braveness. There is a painting of Hanli which, until recently, has hung in the entrance hall to our Avo building, painted by my sister, Caroline.  It tells the story of a woman who has suffered in her life. The skin on her back is raw with the beating her journey has given her.  But the story she tells in the painting is that she has chosen to thrive and grow through her pain and vulnerability: her back is strong, her chin, proud.  It has been a great and inspirational privilege to be privy to the unfolding of Hanli’s power over this decade.  The painting has gone to live at Hanli’s house where it will become a cherished heirloom for her daughters, and, I hope, a powerful example to them of a woman who can overcome huge obstacles to become what God intended for her.

Han. Mate! You are one of my precious people.  I’m sad that we are losing your exceptional talent from the Avo space, but I know I’m not losing a friend. I hope you’ll find even more of that brave and powerful woman in your new space. Go with all my blessings and love!